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Observers declare Kenya elections free and fair

March 6 - With the Kenyan elections still under-way EU and AU observers say the polls are free and fair, despite reported flaws. Simon Hanna reports.

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Police patrol the streets of the Western Kenyan city of Kisumu as residents await news of the final presidential results.
Shops remain closed in the city that saw violence after presidential elections in 2007/2008.
But this time around the elections seem to be going smoother, according to EU observers.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CHIEF OBSERVER, EUROPEAN UNION ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION, ALOJZ PETERLE:
"Although the elections process is not over yet, we can already say that Kenya can be credited with demonstrating an impressive commitment to democratic elections."
But the polls are not without flaws.
A new electronic system has been plagued by glitches, and African Union observers expressed concern about rejected ballots.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) HEAD OF THE AFRICAN UNION ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION, PRESIDENT JOAQUIM CHISSANO:
"The African Union Election Observation Mission, however, notes with concern the high level of rejected ballots which may have resulted from inadequate voter education in the run up to the elections."
After a partial vote count, Uhuru Kenyatta is so far in the lead.
The International Criminal Court on Wednesday said the election result will not affect the ongoing case against Kenyatta who is wanted in The Hague over tribal violence five years ago.

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